Assistant Public Defender Ruby Lenora Green has officially announced her candidacy for Broward County’s Public Defender in the 2020 election. Green, 31, a native of Pompano Beach, has served in the Broward County Public Defender’s office since 2012.
During her tenure as an Assistant Public Defender, Green has held leadership roles such as Chief of County Court, Misdemeanor Division Supervisor and Lead Felony Attorney. Green continues to handle a wide array of complex criminal cases and frequently partners with community agencies to secure housing, substance abuse programs, and mental health treatment for indigent clients.
“I have dedicated my career to public service and would be honored to serve the citizens of Broward County as their Public Defender, said Green. “I have worked in the trenches and know what it means to come from nothing. I plan on continuing to work with organizations in the community and the talented attorneys in the Public Defender’s office to erase the public defender stereotype, boost morale and promote criminal justice reform to make the system work for all the citizens of Broward County. I’m here to represent change and innovation along with equality and fairness.”
Green has been actively involved in the community for decades. She is currently the Treasurer of the Broward County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Community Pulse Chair of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, where she served as the organization’s past President and Secretary. She is an active member of New Leaders Council of Broward County, the Judicial Diversity Initiative, the Broward County Bar Association, and the League of Women Voters. Green has served in various civic activities such as mentoring and volunteering with the Village Project Urban League of Broward County, Dillard Day Care Thanksgiving Reading Program, Ronald McDonald House Volunteer, Boys and Girls Club, William Dandy Middle Pre-Law Program, Broward Outreach Center and she created a Street Law program in 2015 that focused on students at Dillard High School. She is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Notably, she was awarded Legacy Miami’s Top 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, given a Presidential Service Award, has hosted various ‘Know Your Rights’ forums and Restoration of Rights Community Town Halls.
According to Green, most of her clients struggle with the long-term effects of mental illness, poverty, drug and substance abuse issues. Public Defenders are entrusted with protecting their constitutional rights. “A good defense, at times includes connecting indigent defendants with resources in the community, which reduces recidivism and which in turn reduces crime.”
Forging stronger connections with the community and the office of the Public Defender, along with Green’s passion in fighting for equality for all and upholding the Constitution, are at the heart of her run for office. “I want to put the faith back into our abilities,” said Green.
“All people should be treated fairly, with dignity, and civility as human beings. It has been said the most inspiring ideal of our society is equal justice under the law, it is the proximate cause for which our entire legal system exists…it is fundamental that justice should be the same in substance, availability, without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, the nature of charges against them or their socio-economic status, ” said Green. “The Public Defender should be a vital and active link between the community and the criminal justice system. The Broward Public Defender’s office needs change. I look forward to solving challenges together with the people of Broward County.”
If elected, Ruby Green could be the first Black woman to become Broward County Public Defender and possibly the first Black woman to take on that role in the State of Florida. Keep eyes on her for history in the making!
Learn more about Ruby Green by visiting her website.
Contact: rubygreenpd2020@gmail.com
Website: voterubygreen.com